Dricus du Plessis: All You Need to Know About the South African UFC Star
If you follow MMA, Dricus du Plessis is a name that pops up a lot. The South African middleweight has turned heads with his knockout power and steady climb up the UFC rankings. In this guide we break down who he is, what makes him tick, and where to catch his next fight.
Who Is Dricus du Plessis?
Dricus was born on January 14, 1994, in Johannesburg. He started training in karate as a kid before moving to kickboxing and then mixed martial arts. After an impressive run on the African circuit, he signed with the UFC in 2020 and quickly earned a reputation for finishing fights early.
What sets him apart is his blend of crisp striking and solid grappling. He can land a clean left hook that ends a bout or take opponents down and finish them on the ground. Fans love his aggressive style, but he’s also praised for staying calm under pressure.
Recent Fights and What’s Coming Next
The last time Dricus stepped into the Octagon was against Sean Strickland at UFC 295. He won by unanimous decision, showing he can handle a technical boxer and still control the pace. That win moved him into the top five middleweights.
Looking ahead, rumors point to a matchup with Khalid Murad later this year. The fight is likely to be a showcase of Dricus’s striking against a strong wrestler, which could determine if he gets a title shot soon.
If you’re wondering where to watch, the UFC usually streams its events on ESPN+ in the US and via SuperSport in South Africa. Keep an eye on the official fight schedule – the promotion updates it every month.
Aside from his Octagon action, Dricus is active on social media, sharing training clips and behind‑the‑scenes moments. He often talks about growing MMA in South Africa and encourages young fighters to stay disciplined.
For fans who want deeper stats, here’s a quick snapshot: 17 wins (12 by KO/TKO), 3 losses, average fight time of 7 minutes, and a striking accuracy of 48%. Those numbers show he’s not just powerful; he’s efficient.
Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die‑hard MMA follower, Dricus du Plessis is a name worth remembering. His next fight could shape the middleweight division for years to come, so stay tuned and set your reminders.
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UFC 319: Chimaev Dismantles Du Plessis for Middleweight Title, Murphy Stuns with KO
UFC 319 electrified Chicago with Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant win over Dricus du Plessis, seizing the middleweight belt at United Center. Lerone Murphy cinched a jaw-dropping KO over Aaron Pico in the co-main event. The action-packed night was broadcast exclusively on ESPN+, with multiple stand-out performances across the main and preliminary cards.
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